The interim National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has approved its 2026 pre-election timetable and nomination guidelines ahead of the party’s primaries.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the party’s interim leadership, outlining key dates and fees for aspirants.

Timetable for primaries released

According to the statement, the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms will run from May 5 to May 13, 2026.

Submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 14, followed by screening of aspirants from May 15 to May 18.

The party fixed May 21 for screening appeals, while the final list of cleared aspirants will be published on May 22.

Ward primaries are expected to hold on May 27, with appeals on the exercise slated for May 28.

A National Executive Committee meeting to approve candidates will take place on May 29, while a special convention for ratification is set for May 30.

Breakdown of nomination fees

The PDP also released the cost of forms for various elective positions.

For State House of Assembly, the expression of interest form is pegged at ₦500,000, while the nomination form costs ₦1.5 million.

House of Representatives aspirants are to pay ₦2 million for expression of interest and ₦5 million for nomination.

Senate forms are priced at ₦3 million and ₦7 million respectively.

Governorship aspirants will pay ₦5 million for expression of interest and ₦35 million for nomination, while the presidential forms are pegged at ₦10 million and ₦90 million.

Concessions for women, youths

The party announced that women will only pay for expression of interest forms, as nomination forms are free for them.

Youths and persons living with disabilities are to enjoy a 50 percent discount on nomination forms across all positions.

The move, according to the party, is aimed at encouraging broader participation in the political process.

Fresh division emerges within PDP

Meanwhile, a faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has announced a separate date for the party’s presidential primaries.

The group fixed May 23, 2026, for its exercise, indicating ongoing divisions within the party structure.

The parallel moves highlight the deepening leadership crisis within the PDP as preparations intensify for the next election cycle.